Recent deaths 30-01-10

The death occurred suddenly at the weekend of Fr Seamus Dunican, parish priest of Rahan in Co Offaly, who was a native of Ardcath and served in a number of Meath parishes. Fr Dunican was parish priest of Moynalvey and Kiltale for a decade prior to moving to Rahan in 2001. Aged 71, he passed away unexpectedly having taken ill at the parochial house in Rahan on Saturday last. Only last Wednesday, he had been playing golf with colleagues from the diocese. Fr Dunican was ordained in 1963 and initially served for brief periods in Navan and Rahan. The following year, he began his ministry in the Archdiocese of Westminster and from 1970 -1971, he attended Saint Mary's, Strawberry Hill. He taught at Saint Patrick's Classical School, Navan from September 1971, and at the same time worked in Johnstown parish, until his appointment as chaplain to the Defence Forces at Gormanston in August 1981. While in Johnstown, he played football with and managed the Walterstown GAA team in the 1970s, and also served on the club committee. At this time, he also set up a youth club at St Martha's College. During his period in Gormanston, he served on three occasions with the United Nations in Lebanon. Deceased became parish priest of Moynalvey in September 1991 and, ten years later, he moved to Rahan. He was succeeded in Moynalvey by Fr Peter Mulvany, who passed away last October. Fr Dunican was a popular pastor in Kiltale and Moynalvey, with all generations. As well as carrying out his ministry, he was very involved in both schools as board of management chairperson, and in the building of a new extension to Moynalvey NS. He oversaw renovations of both churches and the extension of Moynalvey cemetery and church grounds. Fr Dunican was very committed to the parish and was thought highly of there. Writing in the book to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the school last year, he recalled bringing pupils of Moynalvey to Gormanston beach to collect shells for the decoration of fountains in Larch Hill gardens, visiting Newgrange and Four Knocks, and taking in his old stomping ground at Gormanston Army Camp. He also recalled the only time a bishop's mitre was worn by a girl in Moynalvey Church, when the senior classes in the school were re-enacting gospel themes, scenes from the beginning of the Christian era and the confirmation ceremony. Seeing joy on the children's faces when the Sam Maguire cup visited with Meath players, and the 'mayhem' of the Christmas party for servers in the parochial house were other recollections he had of the local schoolchildren. As a former PE teacher, Fr Dunican set up a basketball club for local youths on a Sunday evening in the winter months. Fr Barry Condron, CC, Dunshaughlin, who served with Fr Dunican in Moynalvey, recalled that Fr Dunican, above all, would like to be remembered as " a good priest", for his basic work as a priest, and for his dedication to his parishioners. His work in Moynalvey and Kiltale laid a strong foundation for his successor to continue building on. In Rahan, he took on a lot of work and responsibility of an area of the parish called The Island, one of the three churches in the parish, along with Mucklagh and Rahan, renovating the church and opening a new cemetery, and reinvigorating that part of the parish. Even on holiday, Fr Dunican continued to work, and on the island he holidayed on in Greece, there was an empty parish church which he opened to say Mass in for visitors and locals while he was there, and prepared newsletters which were translated into a number of languages. Fr Dunican is survived by his brother, Míceal, Ardcath; sisters, Rosaleen Kelly, Limerick and Mary Teevan, Dublin, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. Bishop Smith has offered his deepest sympathies to the Dunican family and will celebrate the Funeral Mass at the Church of Saint Carthage, Killina, in the parish of Rahan today (Wednesday) at 12 noon. ______________________________________________________________ Bill Moore, Moygaddy The death occurred on 12th January last of Mr Bill Moore, Moygaddy, Maynooth, Co Meath, at St Joseph's Hospital, Trim. Aged 89, Mr Moore was a native of Aharney, Co Kilkenny, and worked as a carpenter. As a youth and teenager, he hurled for Kilkenny, and when he moved to Meath, played for the Flathouse club. Deceased was a proud Kilkenny man up to his passing and received a copy of the Kilkenny People every week. Mr Moore worked on the building of Dunboyne Church just over 50 years ago and placed the cross on the steeple. He was married to Moyra for 60 years. Deceased is survived by his wife, Moyra; family, Phil, Tom, Dermot, Mary, Liam, Anne, and Cindy; sister, Peg Delaney, Kilkenny, and family; daughters-in-law, sons-in-law; grandchildren and great grandchildren. The funeral took place in the Church of St Oliver Plunkett, Kilcloon, with burial in the adjoining cemetery. ______________________________________________________________ May Booth, Navan The death occurred on 3rd January at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, of Mrs May Booth, O'Growney Terrace, Navan. She was aged 92. A member of the Smyth family from Navan, she was widow of the late Joe Booth, who predeceased her in 2004. Deceased is survived by her sons, Peter Booth, Silverlawn, Navan; Joe Booth, Athboy, and Gerard Booth, O'Growney Terrace, Navan; daughters, Marie Heaney, Sillogue, Navan, and Dolores Booth, Blackcastle Estate, Navan; son-in-law, Brian Heaney; daughter-in-law, Miriam Booth; brother-in-law, Des Booth, Navan; grandchildren and great grandchildren. The funeral took place from St Mary's Church, Navan, to St Mary's Cemetery, Navan. ______________________________________________________________ MICHAEL FAHERTY, NAVAN The regretted death occurred on the 22nd December last of Mr Michael Faherty of Ivy Hall House, Proudstown Hill, Navan after a long illness bravely borne, at the Mater Private Hospital. Born to Maurice and Anna Faherty on 20th September 20th 1944 in Inish Macantreer, on the shores of Lough Corrib, Co Galway, the family moved in 1954 to Leshamstown, Drumree, where deceased attended primary school and the Community College in Dunshaughlin. During his school years he developed an interest in football and went on to play centrefield in the first Dunsany team in 1963. Mr Faherty started his working life in Navan Carpets before joining an Garda Siochána in Templemore in 1965. This is where he met his wife, Maureen, from the parish of Castleiney/Loughmore. After graduation from the Garda College in Templemore, he was stationed in Portlaoise and Ballybrittas Co Laois for five years. He transferred to Cabra Garda Station where he remained until he retired in 1995. While stationed in Cabra, he was assigned to Áras an Uachtaráin for 25 years. During this period, he served under five presidents and met many heads of state, as well as Pope John Paul II. Deceased had a keen interest in construction and built his first home for his family in Leshamstown, living there for a number of years before purchasing a farm in Killeen, Dunsany. Here, he renovated and extended the house and further developed the farm. When he retired from an Garda Siochána, Mr Faherty and his wife Maureen became proprietors of The Silver Tankard public house and restaurant where they made many lifelong friends and enjoyed numerous happy occasions. Following the sale of the pub, Mr Faherty again became involved in construction and went on to build a number of houses, including his home, Ivy Hall House. He had an energy and enthusiasm for new challenges that was boundless. He was a member of Drumree Gun Club and travelled to Scotland with friends for many years during the shooting season. Reading was also a great hobby and he had an immense interest in current affairs and documentaries. Deceased loved life and lived it to its fullest. He enjoyed nothing more than visiting his native Galway, as well as Tipperary, and took great pleasure in meeting new people and catching up with old friends. He had that charismatic way of making people feel instantly at ease in his company. He was an avid traveller, and with his wife often visited America and also holidayed in Canada and several European countries. The holiday they enjoyed most was a Caribbean cruise in 2005. Mr Faherty was a great family man and loved visits from or to his siblings and extended relatives. Predeceased by his parents, Maurice and Anna, and grandchild Aimee; he is survived by his wife, Maureen; daughter, Olivia; sons, Maurice, Fergus, Ivor and Daniel; daughters-in-law, Cora, Lavinia and Sharon and grandchildren; sisters, Mary McLoughlin, Noreen Greally, Bernadette Sheehy; brothers Pat, Maurice, Gerard, Liam and Desmond; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunt, uncles, nieces, nephews and relatives. His remains were removed from his residence to St Patrick's Church, Dunshaughlin on Christmas Eve, where funeral mass was celebrated prior to burial in the nearby cemetery. ______________________________________________________________ Theresa Tallon, Walterstown There was great sadness over a wide area at the recent death of Mrs Theresa Tallon, Skryne Road, Walterstown, Garlow Cross. She died peacefully at her home on 3rd January last, aged 60. Originally a member of the McManus family, she was a native of Walterstown. Deceased bore her brief illness with great strength of character and faith in God. Her life was dedicated to her family and her two grandchildren. She had a great love of her home and parish, enjoyed her music and had a great sense of humour. The large number who called to her home and attended her funeral was a fitting tribute to one who touched the lives of many. Mrs Tallon is survived by her husband, Bertie; daughter, Sharon Smith; son-in-law, Kevin; grandchildren, Lauren and James; sisters, Rita Marron, Carrickmacross and Lily Mulvany, Ratoath; brother, Seamus McManus, Essex; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, extended family and many friends. Her remains were removed to the Church of the Assumption, Walterstown and the funeral took place to Mountown Cemetery. A months memory mass takes place in the Church of the Assumption, Walterstown, on Friday 5th February at 7.30pm. ______________________________________________________________ Terence Murphy, Kells The death occurred on 4th December last of Mr Terence (Terry) Murphy, Cavan Road, Kells. Aged 90, Mr Murphy passed away at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan. A native of Castlerahan, Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan, deceased worked as chauffeur and general assistant to Canon James Keogan, PP, Crossdone, Co Cavan, and was also a farm worker and later farm steward on several large estates in the region, finishing with Brigadier BJ Fowler at Rahinstown, Summerhill. Mr Murphy later worked as a self employed driving instructor, and car salesman with Murray and Breslin Motors in Kells. He was also a mechanic who could turn his hand to repairing anything from cars to lawnmowers. Deceased was also caretaker at Eureka Secondary School, Kells. As well as his dedication to his family, he was very involved with the local community, and in particular his 40 year involvement with the Tidy Towns Committee of which he was chairman for a time. He also served in the LDF from 1939-1946 and in recent years was awarded a medal by the Department of Defence for his service. Mr Murphy was predeceased in 1990 by his wife, Nellie. He is survived by his son, Gerard; sister, Sr Mary Murphy; and brothers John J, Peter and Benny. The funeral took place from St Colmcille's Church, Kells to St Colmcille's Cemetery. ______________________________________________________________ Bobby Donovan - An Appreciation 'He stood as the light' What Bobby Donovan meant and still means to the people of Meath and the members of Comhaltas in particular would take volumes to tell. He left an indelible footprint from his earliest days playing hurling with his native Wexford, to his extensive involvement in community activities in Meath including Kiltale Hurling Club, Kiltale parish and Trim branch of Comhaltas. It is very difficult for anyone who knew him to accept the finality of his death. We miss his music, his wit, his strength and his inspiration. His single greatest attribute was his ability to relate to people. He could inspire the youngest musician and give confidence to them as they took their first faltering steps at the local session. His lifelong commitment to Irish culture will no doubt inspire others to come and play Irish traditional music. Hopefully, they will bring with them the same lively 'can do' attitude that so personified Bobby. He has gone to his eternal reward and I'm sure that the strains of his beloved 'Boolavogue' now echo through the heavenly halls. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. - Siobhan Ui Fhearghaile, leas cathaoirlach, craobh Atha Troim CCE.